A feast of cricket in Victoria this summer as Cricket Australia announce 2017-18 fixture

The season is headlined by the Magellan Ashes Boxing Day Test at the MCG (26 December – 30 December), the biggest event on the cricket calendar, with Australia and England set to add another chapter to their historic rivalry.

Australia will then return to the MCG on two more occasions, first in a One-Day International on 14 January and again in a Twenty20 International on 10 February, both against England.

Three-time reigning JLT Sheffield Shield champions, the Commonwealth Bank Bushrangers will play their first home game at the MCG in a 2016-17 final rematch against South Australia (4 November – 7 November), before hosting New South Wales (3 March – 6 March) at the newly developed Junction Oval later in the season.

The historic March fixture will be the first time Victoria has played a first-class match at the Junction Oval since the 2008-09 Sheffield Shield final win over Queensland, and promises to become a new home for Victorian cricket in the years to come.

The MCG is also set to host its first WNCL matches for the Commonwealth Bank VicSpirit since 2012 when Victoria face Tasmania (25 November) and South Australia (27 November) ahead of the Big Bash League break.

An extended BBL season will see more home games for the Stars and Renegades in Victoria, as well as the staple blockbuster Derbies at the MCG and Etihad Stadium in January.

Cricket Victoria CEO Tony Dodemaide said that Victorian cricket fans will be able to feast on a variety of world-class cricket action this summer.

“There is huge excitement in the build-up to this season. The Ashes are always a major occasion on the Australian sporting calendar, and we expect big crowds at the MCG,” Dodemaide said.

“With an extended Big Bash League season ahead, there are even more opportunities for fans to get involved this summer. We’re looking forward to full houses at the MCG and Etihad Stadium for the derbies between the Stars and the Renegades,” Dodemaide said.

“March will mark an historic occasion when Victoria plays at the Junction Oval next year against traditional rivals New South Wales. The redevelopment of this world-class facility provides a new home for cricket in Victoria – and a great opportunity for fans to get along and support the team.

“It’s also pleasing to see our Victorian Women set to play at the MCG in two WNCL fixtures, giving them even greater exposure on top of the WBBL.

“I’m sure I speak on behalf of all fans when I say that we can’t wait to see Australia, Victoria and the Stars and Renegades compete in the nation’s sporting capital.”

To view the full 2017-18 summer of cricket fixture visit www.cricket.com.au/series